both form and function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both form and function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the design and utility of an object, emphasizing that both aspects are important. Example: "The new smartphone is impressive, as it excels in both form and function, combining aesthetic appeal with advanced technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Both form and function have been impaired.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We judge their work based on both form and function.

The New York Times - Books

A kitchen tub is a perfect example of both form and function.

The New York Times

Like the classic polo shirts that inspired them, the sweaters seem to satisfy both form and function requisites.

The New York Times

Kuwata, however, considers both form and function fundamental to his process.

The New York Times

In both form and function, these shapes are implicitly male, like the artists who have historically made most drawings from the nude.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Such a specialized anatomical feature also shows that, even at the earliest stages of tetrapod development, there was much diversification, both in form and function.

The New York Times - Science

We replaced both the form and function of existing pre-digital units by first creating the internet vertical with ISP's, online portals, web editors, digital journalists, digital photographers and of course digital advertising and digital media and advertising agencies.

TechCrunch

And he says he's working to improve the design of the bamboo-legged device, and is talking with engineers to improve both the form and function of it.

BBC

Although the aluminum handrails along the transmission tunnel are splendid both in form and function, as are the rails on the doors, the center binnacle is also all capped in metal and looks a bit garish to our eyes.

Forbes

These results demonstrate that cell-seeded fiber-aligned nanofibrous scaffolds may serve as an instructive micro-pattern for directed tissue growth, reconstituting both the form and function of the native tissue.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both form and function", ensure that you provide specific examples or details to illustrate how an object or concept excels in both aspects.

Common error

Avoid prioritizing one aspect (either form or function) at the expense of the other. A truly successful design considers both equally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both form and function" serves as a conjunction to emphasize the equal importance of aesthetics (form) and practicality (function) in a design or concept. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is commonly used to describe elements that successfully integrate visual appeal with effective operation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Tech

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both form and function" is a commonly used expression that emphasizes the importance of aesthetics and utility in design. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and technology. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples to illustrate how the subject excels in both aspects. Remember to balance design appeal with functional effectiveness. Alternatives like "design and utility" or "aesthetic and practical" can also be used to convey similar meanings. Be careful not to prioritize one aspect over the other for an optimally effective outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shape and functionality

Directly replaces "form" with "shape" and "function" with "functionality", keeping the core meaning intact.

design and utility

Uses "design" as a synonym for "form" and "utility" as a synonym for "function", providing a more concise alternative.

aesthetic and practical

Replaces "form" with "aesthetic" to emphasize visual appeal and "function" with "practical" to highlight usability.

appearance and practicality

Substitutes "form" with "appearance" to focus on visual aspects and "function" with "practicality" to stress usefulness.

design and performance

Highlights the visual design and how well something executes its intended actions.

beauty and usability

Highlights the aesthetic and user-friendly aspects, replacing "form" with "beauty" and "function" with "usability".

aesthetics and performance

Highlights visual appeal and effectiveness, swapping "form" with "aesthetics" and "function" with "performance".

style and purpose

Emphasizes the stylistic elements and intended use, swapping "form" with "style" and "function" with "purpose".

structure and operation

Focuses on the underlying framework and how it works, exchanging "form" with "structure" and "function" with "operation".

look and feel

Focuses on the sensory experience, where "look" replaces "form" and "feel" subtly implies functionality and user experience.

FAQs

How can I use "both form and function" in a sentence?

You can use "both form and function" to describe something that is designed well and works effectively. For example, "The architect considered "aesthetic and practical" concerns in the building's design".

What is an alternative to saying "both form and function"?

Alternatives include "design and utility", "appearance and practicality", or "style and purpose", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "the form and the function" or "both form and function"?

"Both form and function" is more concise and commonly used. "The form and the function" is grammatically correct, but less idiomatic.

What does it mean when something excels in "both form and function"?

It means the item or concept is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly effective and useful for its intended purpose. It balances "beauty and usability".